NZ recovers from 5/2 to post 337/8! Daryl Mitchell (137) and Glenn Phillips (106) share a record 219-run stand. See full innings analysis.

 What started as a nightmare for New Zealand has ended as a massive challenge for India.

In the 3rd ODI, the Indian bowlers began with fire, reducing the Kiwis to a shaky start. But what followed was a masterclass in counter-attacking cricket by Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, who powered New Zealand to a daunting total of 337/8 in their 50 overs.

Here is the complete analysis of the first innings.

The Horror Start: India on Top

Gill’s decision to bowl seemed perfect in the first 15 minutes.

• 1st Over: Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh struck immediately, removing Henry Nicholls for a duck.

• 2nd Over: The danger man Devon Conway followed him back to the pavilion instantly. At one stage, New Zealand was reeling, and it looked like India would wrap them up quickly.

The Resurrection: Mitchell & Phillips Show

After Will Young (who built a brief 50+ stand) fell victim to Harshit Rana, the score was still precarious. Then came the partnership that changed the game.

Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips joined forces to stitch together a mammoth 219-run partnership in just 186 balls. They didn't just survive; they destroyed the Indian bowling attack.

• Daryl Mitchell (137 off 131 balls): Continuing his dream form, Mitchell smashed his 2nd back-to-back century of the series (following a 50+ in the first game). His innings included 15 fours and 3 sixes. He anchored the innings perfectly.

• Glenn Phillips (106 off 88 balls): Phillips was the aggressor, reaching his century in style with 9 fours and 3 massive sixes.
  
  

Bowling Card: Wickets but Expensive

The Indian bowlers had a mixed day. While they picked up wickets, they leaked too many runs in the middle and death overs.

• Arshdeep Singh: The pick of the bowlers with 3/63, providing the early breakthroughs.

• Harshit Rana: Although expensive (3/84), he showed a knack for picking up crucial wickets.

• Spinners Struggled: Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj chipped in with 1 wicket each, but Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Reddy went wicketless, failing to break the massive stand.
  
  

The Finish

After the centurions departed, Captain Michael Bracewell played a smart cameo to ensure the momentum didn't drop, pushing the final score to 337.

Target for India: 338 Runs. The pitch is good for batting, but chasing 330+ is never easy under pressure. Can the Indian batting lineup respond?